​Middle school is full of change. New school, new friends, new activities, new experiences—so many things feel different once you hit middle school. And that’s especially true when it comes to your relationship with your parents. Maybe you argue more often. Maybe you’ve found yourself more irritated with things they do or say. Or maybe it just seems like you disagree about everything these days. No matter what it is, suddenly it feels like all you and your parents do is fight. The truth is every family fights. Conflict is part of being in a close relationship with other people. But the good news is, while you may not be able to change the fact that you’re going to disagree with your parents, you don’t have to live in constant conflict. There is something you can change, and that something is you. This week we’ll look to what the Apostle Paul has to say about what we can do to move towards a better relationship with our parents. And if we can take hold of it in our own lives, we’ll take a step towards building better relationships.

What’s your favorite childhood memory with your parents/child?On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you with your relationship with your parents/child right now?

Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV​6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise--3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

What do you think it means to “honor” your parents?When is it most difficult for you to honor your parents?When you and your parents fight, how do you usually respond? Do you slam doors? Give the silent treatment?What are the downsides of fighting with your parents?What are the upsides of showing your parents honor?To honor your parents, what’s one thing you can do this week that’s different from what you did last week?

Catechism Connection​

​Benevolent, merciful God: When we are empty, fill us. When we are weak in faith, strengthen us. When we are cold in love, warm us, that with fervor we may love our neighbors and serve them for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. AMEN.

Mark the Cross of Christ on each others foreheads as a remembrance of your baptism and say these words...